Normandy to Brittany on the French Cider Tour

The 2022 French Cider Tour that took travelers from across North America on a trip of a life time was a trip of a life time. Not only were the apple and pear trees laden with fruit, but the hot and humid weather pattern finally broke and offered cool breezes. Cool weather is perfect for opening bottles from morning to night and this tour did exactly that.

In this Part 1

Hear audio snap shots along the way as we celebrate French Cider with the makers and drink in the sights and sounds both Normandy, Domfrontais and Brittany.

• Ringing of the bells in Honfleur

• Etienne Dupont of Domaine Dupont tips

• Agathe Letellier of Manoir D'Apreval shares a bit of the history of her domaine

Agathe Letellier | Manoir d'Apreval

• Daughter and Father (Estelle and Patrice) team at Manoir de Montreuil - French Cider Family now in their 14th generation

• Is the wooden screw from the ancient press made of oak or Sorbus Domestica?

Old press screw said to be oak but could it be Sorbus Domestica?

• Brian Wing shares cider on the tour bus from Greenbank Cidery

• Singing on the bus along the way on the French Cider Tour
• Frédéric Pacory on Perry

Want to join the French Cider Tour in 2024?

• Send an email to [email protected]

Mentions in this Chat

• Episode 336: Cider Yeast Choices with Fermentis
• Episode 46: Agathe Letellier | Manoir d'Apreval Normandy
• Episode 322: The Celebrated Poiré & Calvados of Pacory | FR
• Mathilde de Bazouges @pom_presse is the distiller at Domaine Dupont

Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page forCider Chat's podcasts.

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Calvados with Étienne Dupont | Domaine Dupont

Étienne Dupont took over the Domaine Familial Etienne Dupont in the Pays d'Auge region of Normandy France from his father Louis and grandfather Jules in 1980. Episode 098: Jérôme Dupont | Domaine Dupont is a conversation with Étienne son who sadly passed away in 2018. The recording with Jérôme provides the backdrop of the story behind the Dupont families acquiring the estate or what is called a Domaine in France.

[caption id="attachment_6061" align="alignleft" width="200"] Eitenne Dupont and Benoit at Cave Pepins

In this episode Étienne and I are in the city of Caen and we are visiting Cave Pepin - wonderful store filled with Calvados, Cider, Poire and Pommeau. We are assisted by Benoit or Ben who works at the store and brought us through a tasting of Calvados. UPDATE: (this store is now closed, but Benoit is has now opened a new store in the city called Les Cidroloques).

Etienne begins by describing the

Étienne's Notes Three Sources of Aroma in Calvados

• The fruit
• The Yeast
• The Cask in which the Calvados has been kept

If the cask is new wood you will taste the sap which presents itself as grainy.

Classical Calvados - the cask only contained cider and Calvados

Étienne asks if we suspect acetone in the Calvados as we are tasting.

During our first tasting we are delve into the taste and as Étienne says,

“We are fighting the acetone, we are too professional”

Étienne's Tips on Distillation of Cider

• He prefers a quick fermentation of 3 days and then distillation. But alas the rules in Normandy require that distillation now must be done 3 weeks from the point of initial distillation.
• Use clean apples. When Domaine Dupont presses the juice goes directly into concrete vats at the Pressoir and then it is pumped underground via tubing to the pot still.
• The cider is racked off the gross lees at this point, with only the fine lees being distilled
• His preferred temperature to ferment the cider is 22 to 23 degrees celsius (71 Fahrenheit) and no fermentation below 8 degrees Celsius (46 Fahrenheit).

Determining Age of Calvados

• Fine is younger 2-3 years old
• Hors d'Age is at least 6 years old
  • Étienne jokes that Hors d'Age which can range from 6 years to 20 is designed to get you lost. I agree and so best to ask the producer! Or as Étienne says that "You must rely on your palate."

Contact for Domaine Familial Etienne Dupont

Website: https://www.calvados-dupont.com/en/ciders-calvados.htm

Mentions in this chat

• Fermentis by Lesaffre - sign up for their upcoming online Q&A discussing cider yeast via the Fermentis Academy
• Caen, France new store owned by Benoit - Les Cidrologues

Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page forCider Chat's podcasts.

• Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts.
• Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast
• Twitter @ciderchat
• Instagram: @ciderchatciderville
• Cider Chat FaceBook Page
• Cider Chat YouTube

Calvados with Étienne Dupont | Domaine Dupont

Étienne Dupont took over the Domaine Familial Etienne Dupont in the Pays d'Auge region of Normandy France from his father Louis and grandfather Jules in 1980. Episode 098: Jérôme Dupont | Domaine Dupont is a conversation with Étienne son who sadly passed away in 2018. The recording with Jérôme provides the backdrop of the story behind the Dupont families acquiring the estate or what is called a Domaine in France.

[caption id="attachment_6061" align="alignleft" width="200"] Eitenne Dupont and Benoit at Cave Pepins

In this episode Étienne and I are in the city of Caen and we are visiting Cave Pepin - wonderful store filled with Calvados, Cider, Poire and Pommeau. We are assisted by Benoit or Ben who works at the store and brought us through a tasting of Calvados. UPDATE: (this store is now closed, but Benoit is has now opened a new store in the city called Les Cidroloques).

Etienne begins by describing the

Étienne's Notes Three Sources of Aroma in Calvados

• The fruit
• The Yeast
• The Cask in which the Calvados has been kept

If the cask is new wood you will taste the sap which presents itself as grainy.

Classical Calvados - the cask only contained cider and Calvados

Étienne asks if we suspect acetone in the Calvados as we are tasting.

During our first tasting we are delve into the taste and as Étienne says,

“We are fighting the acetone, we are too professional”

Étienne's Tips on Distillation of Cider

• He prefers a quick fermentation of 3 days and then distillation. But alas the rules in Normandy require that distillation now must be done 3 weeks from the point of initial distillation.
• Use clean apples. When Domaine Dupont presses the juice goes directly into concrete vats at the Pressoir and then it is pumped underground via tubing to the pot still.
• The cider is racked off the gross lees at this point, with only the fine lees being distilled
• His preferred temperature to ferment the cider is 22 to 23 degrees celsius (71 Fahrenheit) and no fermentation below 8 degrees Celsius (46 Fahrenheit).

Determining Age of Calvados

• Fine is younger 2-3 years old
• Hors d'Age is at least 6 years old
  • Étienne jokes that Hors d'Age which can range from 6 years to 20 is designed to get you lost. I agree and so best to ask the producer! Or as Étienne says that "You must rely on your palate."

Contact for Domaine Familial Etienne Dupont

Website: https://www.calvados-dupont.com/en/ciders-calvados.htm

Mentions in this chat

• Fermentis by Lesaffre - sign up for their upcoming online Q&A discussing cider yeast via the Fermentis Academy
• Caen, France new store owned by Benoit - Les Cidrologues

Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page forCider Chat's podcasts.

• Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts.
• Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast
• Twitter @ciderchat
• Instagram: @ciderchatciderville
• Cider Chat FaceBook Page
• Cider Chat YouTube

Fermentis Offers 4 Cider Yeast for Makers

Anne Flesch Regional Sales Manager and Technical Sales Support Manager at Fermentis helps us sort through the magical world of yeast and fermenting cider. And she also address 3 listener questions on the topic of yeast and fermentation.

Upcoming Q&A with Fermentis on September 29th, 2022. Go to Fermentis.com to register

SafCider Yeasts by Fermentis

The AB of AB-1 stands for Apple Balance. The 1 stands for the first cider yeast

The AC of AC- 4 means Apple Crisp

The AS 0f AS -2 stands for Apple Sweet

The TF of TF 6 stands for Tutti Fruity

Listener questions:

1. Using such a hybrid approach? One part wild yeast and one part cultured
2. Using Saccharomyces boulardii as a cider yeast?
3. Timing of inoculation of (MLB) malolactic bacteria (MLB) in cider and the affect on taste/aroma/Other influences on malolactic fermentation MLF.

Support Sponsors of Cider Chat so they can continue to support this podcast and help you make great cider!

• Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers.

Mentions in this Chat

• CiderDays 2.0 November 4th & 5th, 2022
• Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting November 4th
• CiderDays 2.0 Cider Dinner November 5, 2022
• Episode 265 Calvados Tasting with Étienne Dupont | Domaine Dupont

Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page forCider Chat's podcasts.

• Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts.
• Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast
• Twitter @ciderchat
• Instagram: @ciderchatciderville
• Cider Chat FaceBook Page
• Cider Chat YouTube

New Hampshire's Oldest Distillery | Flag Hill

Brian Ferguson is a Pennsylvania native who came to Flag Hill via the Cayman Island and ever since both he and his wife Maggie have continued to transform what was once a farm into a multi venue location. Driving up to the farm one will see vineyards that are helping to win gold medals, acres of corn and an inviting entrance that screams "sit a while and enjoy".

Apples play a major role at the Distillery

The hybrid pot still with column at is working non stop at the distillery. There are over 500 barrels alone in the aging warehouse for the coveted Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy. Expect a smooth mouthfeel and light amber hues in this lightly from this 6 year old brandy that is aged in toasted barrels.

Along with the Apple Brandy, Flag Hill uses apples in the distillation of the

• Karner Blue Gin
  • named after the state butterfly. This is a heavenly drink and will make anyone a gin lover.
• Maple Sugar Liqueur
  • decadence in a bottle, this liqueur is a perfect gift for the holidays or you own personal stash for cooking and afternoon/evening sipping.
• General John Stark Vodka
  • A must for cocktail fans!

Those are just the Apple Based spirits. There are more delicious spirts.

In this Chat

We speak with owner/distiller Brian Ferguson and Company Wingman David Breslin

Flag Hill Owner and Distiller Brian Ferguson and Company Wingman David Breslin

• Historical overview of Flag Hill – farm, distillery, winery, events venue
  • Type of still – column – explanation of the process from apples to Apple Brandy
  • Apple Brandies made at Flag Hill - The Dusty Collection
  • Apples used. Varieties. Source.
  • Fermenting cider for distillation
  • Oak used, Aging conditions, length of time
  • Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy - Who is Josiah Bartlett?
  • What to expect from Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy

Flag Hill's Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy will be at

CiderDays 2.0 Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting

Contact for Flag Hill Winery and Distillery

• Website:https://www.flaghill.com/
• Address: 297 North River Road (Rt. 155)Lee, NH 03861
• Telephone: (603) 659-2949
• eMail: [email protected]

Support Sponsors of Cider Chat so they can continue to support this podcast and help you make great cider!

• Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers Sign up for the September 29th Q&A by visiting Fermentis.com

Mentions in this Chat

Click to purchase CiderDays 2.0 Tickets

• CiderDays 2.0 November 4th & 5th, 2022

Tickets links below to CiderDays 2.0 event

• Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting November 4th
• Orcharding for Homeowners with John Bunker
• History of Apple Jack with Lisa Laird Dunn
• CiderDays 2.0 Cider Dinner November 5, 2022

Mentions in this chat

Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page forCider Chat's podcasts.

• Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts.
• Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast
• Twitter @ciderchat
• Instagram: @ciderchatciderville
• Cider Chat FaceBook Page
• Cider Chat YouTube

How the Laird Family honed the making of Apple Jack

In Part 1 of this two part series on Laird's & Company, we met with 9th generation Lisa Laird Dunn. Lisa is the COO and Global Ambassador of this family business. In that episode #333 Lisa shared the family's 324 year history beginning in 1698 to present day. In this episode, we meet both Lisa's son Gerard and her father Larrie Laird. Gerard joined his mother to discuss the current state and future of Laird's and Larrie brings us into the massive barrel room for a walk about aging casks of Laird's famous Apple Brandies and Apple Jack.

Lisa (9th generation), Gerard (10th generation), Larrie (8th generation)

In this chat

• Laird’s product line – Apple Jack to Apple Brandy
• Let’s talk oak barrels - How many and the kind? Oldest in use?
• Laird’s Virginia based distillery in North Garden – lets discuss this location and sourcing local apples
  • Listeners hold southern apple in high esteem and would love to know varieties used and orchards
• What Laird’s Apple Brandy is and what it is not
  • American’s misconception of Apple Brandy - It is NOT flavored apple brandy.
• Next steps for Laird's & Company
  • A museum, visitor center and tasting room
  • Cider barrel aged in Laird's brandy barrels.

Listen to Part 1 on the Laird's Family history in Episode 333

Larrie, Gerard, Lisa

Contact for Laird's & Company

• Website:https://lairdandcompany.com/

Mentions in this Chat

Click to purchase CiderDays 2.0 Tickets

• CiderDays 2.0 November 4th & 5th, 2022

Tickets links below to CiderDays 2.0 event

• Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting November 4th
• Orcharding for Homeowners with John Bunker
• History of Apple Jack with Lisa Laird Dunn
• CiderDays 2.0 Cider Dinner November 5, 2022

Mentions in this chat

• 306 Ciders for Every Season | Elegast, Netherlands
• Episode 26: Neil Worley Keeving

Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page forCider Chat's podcasts.

• Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts.
• Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast
• Twitter @ciderchat
• Instagram: @ciderchatciderville
• Cider Chat FaceBook Page
• Cider Chat YouTube

America's Oldest Distillery is Laird's & Company

Lisa Laird Dunn and Cider Chat MC Ria Windcaller had a sit down chat at the main offices of Laird's & Company in Scobyville, New Jersey. They met in what was once the Laird's family's home ( a couple generations ago), but which is now the main headquarters for the company.

Lisa is a the 9th generation Laird, her son Gerard who you can hear on Part 2 of this two part series and now working on site is a 10th generation Laird. Lisa's father Larrie Laird, who is an 8th generation Laird, will be heard talking about the production and barreling of their apple brandies in Part 2 episode 334.

Laird's has the choice position of being America's first licensed distillers (note the No 1 on the door below). The fact that they are well known for their Apple Jack, made back in 1698 and have survived for over 300 years is commendable and speaks volumes of their family and products and is a cider podcaster's dream interview!

Laird Family in front of door bearing the distilling licensed No 1! Walls behind is black due old still that was situated next door to this room which released gas that coated the building. l to r - Lisa (9th generation), Larrie (8th generation) , Gerard (10th generation Laird)

Larrie, Gerard, Lisa

In this chat

• Lisa Laird Dunn's role at company - Global Ambassador and Chief Operating Officer
• Historical overview of Laird Family history in distilling to present day
• Laird Family time line from 1698 to 2022
• Did Robert Laird give George Washington the Apple Jack recipe as request and noted in Washington's diary?
• Getting a federal license to distill during Prohibition
• Production numbers (capacity) from 1780 to today - to show the growth
• Family anecdotes of growing up a Laird?
• Tips on maintaining a family legacy and keeping future generation engaged?
• Apple Jack distillation technique in 1698 vs today in North

The Lisa Cocktail made with Laird's Straight Apple Jack 86

Contact for Laird's & Company

• Website:https://lairdandcompany.com/

Mentions in this Chat

• CiderDays 2.0 November 4th & 5th, 2022
• Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting November 4th
• CiderDays 2.0 Cider Dinner November 5, 2022
• Episode 265 Calvados Tasting with Étienne Dupont | Domaine Dupont

Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page forCider Chat's podcasts.

• Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts.
• Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast
• Twitter @ciderchat
• Instagram: @ciderchatciderville
• Cider Chat FaceBook Page
• Cider Chat YouTube

The inspiration behind Cider Planet

With author Claude Jolicoeur on this newest book that is being released on September 23, 2022. Claude has authored to previous books on cider.

Du pommier au cidre

The New Cider Maker's Handbook

Cider Planet:

Exploring the Producers, Practices, and Unique Traditions of Craft Cider and Perry from Around

In this Chat we discuss

• Who is Cider Planet written for? Cider Curious, Makers commercial or amateur?
• What readers can expect from Cider Planet
• How is the book laid out?
• Is there a key region that is propelling cider forward or is it a combination of regions
• What do you hope readers take away from this book?
• Do you have a favorite style of cider? What is it?

Past Cider Chat Episode with Claude Jolicoeur

Episode 153: Journey to the World's largest Apple Tree

Claude here is wearing a traditional jacket as worn by men in Kazakhstan.

Contact Claude Jolicoeur

• website:http://www.cjoliprsf.ca/

Support Sponsors of Cider Chat so they can continue to support this podcast and help you make great cider!

• Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers

Mentions in this Chat

• CiderDays 2.0 November 4th & 5th, 2022
• Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting November 4th
• CiderDays 2.0 Cider Dinner November 5, 2022
• Episode 328 with Chef Paul and Episode 329 with Judith Maloney

Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page forCider Chat's podcasts.

• Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts.
• Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast
• Twitter @ciderchat
• Instagram: @ciderchatciderville
• Cider Chat FaceBook Page
• Cider Chat YouTube

Nicole Blum of Carr's Ciderhouse will be one of 6 celebrated women in cider speaking at the November 5th Cider Dinner at Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the Cider Dinner go live on September 3, 2022. Sign up now for eCiderNews to get emailings to Early Ticket Release dates.

Wild & Tame Apples of Carr's Ciderhouse

Jonathan Carr and Nicole Blum

Nicole Blum and Jonathan Carr's first date was at a Creperie in San Franciso and as fate planned it, they drank cider. The two live in Ireland for a bit, where Jonathan was born for a spell and even planted a a few apple trees. Fate again had other plans and they found their way back to the states to settle in Hadley, Massachusetts. There they have both a working farm, what they call "Preservation Orchard" at Carr's Ciderhouse and a large rack and cloth press in the barn overlooking the Connecticut River Valley.

In this Chat with Nicole and Jonathan

Value added products at Carr's Ciderhouse

• Cider Syrup
• Shrubs
• Switchel
• Berries
• Chestnut trees
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
• Their Ciderhouse Cookbook: 127 Recipes That Celebrate the Sweet, Tart, Tangy Flavors of Apple Cider

Carr's Cider Tasted during this Chat

• White Jersey
• Golden Russet
• Dabinet
• A blend of all three

Contact Carr's Ciderhouse

• Website:https://www.carrsciderhouse.com/

Support Sponsors of Cider Chat so they can continue to support this podcast and help you make great cider!

• Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers

Mentions in this Chat

• CiderDays 2.0 November 4th & 5th, 2022
• CiderDays 2.0 Cider Dinner November 5, 2022

Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page forCider Chat's podcasts.

• Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts.
• Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast
• Twitter @ciderchat
• Instagram: @ciderchatciderville
• Cider Chat FaceBook Page
• Cider Chat YouTube

CiderDays 2.0 ~ November 4th & 5th, 2022 at Hawks and Reed Performing Art Center in Greenfield, Massachusetts.Sign up now for the eCiderNews to receive notifications to your in box on CiderDays 2.0 schedule of events and early ticket release dates, links and a special coupon for eCiderNews subscribers.

• western Mass Cider Week begins October 30th through November 4th, 2022

Apple Camp

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners (MOFGA) is hosting Apple Camp on the weekend August 19th-21st, 2022. In this chat hear from Laura Sieger, the Orchard Manager at the Maine Heritage Orchard in Unity Maine. Laura is working with the Apple Camp team to bring an well paced weekend of apple friends.

• Find out the schedule, speakers and what to expect

Contact for MOGA Apple Camp

• Website:https://www.mofga.org/event-calendar/mac2022/

Mentions in the Chat

• Episode 328: Chef Paul | Author, Maker & CiderDays OG
• Episode 329: Cider's Heroine Judith Maloney | West County Cider

Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving!

Find this episode and all episodes at the page forCider Chat's podcasts.

• Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts.
• Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast
• Twitter @ciderchat
• Instagram: @ciderchatciderville
• Cider Chat FaceBook Page
• Cider Chat YouTube